EU urges Israel to reopen all Gaza crossings for aid

The European Union has reiterated its deep concern over the ongoing severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, stressing that heavy flooding and harsh winter conditions have further worsened living conditions for residents already exhausted by the crisis and struggling under unsafe circumstances.

In a statement, the EU called for respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, and for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as medical personnel and health facilities. The EU also expressed grave concern over the recent Israeli airstrike targeting Nasser Hospital.

The EU urged Israel to immediately allow the entry and sustained, unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid, to provide necessary support for large-scale early recovery efforts, and to reopen all border crossings into Gaza. The statement emphasized the need to enable the United Nations, its agencies, and humanitarian organizations, including NGOs, to carry out their work and to fulfill all obligations under international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, calling on all parties to fully and immediately implement UN Security Council Resolution 2803, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international political and legal principles, as well as for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the completion of the civilian transitional phase in the territory.